Bontempi
| Industry | Musical instruments |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1937 |
| Headquarters | Potenza Picena, Italy |
| Website | www |
Bontempi, founded 1937, is an Italian musical instrument manufacturer. It is best known for producing low-priced,[1][2] plastic-cased chord organs.
History
Founded in 1937 in Potenza Picena, Italy, Bontempi gained prominence during the 1970s and 1980s with its popular chord organs. These instruments, featuring fan-blown reeds, were widely regarded for their accessibility and affordability. By the mid-1980s, Bontempi transitioned to manufacturing home electronic keyboards, further solidifying its reputation in the musical instrument market.
Bontempi acquired Farfisa's music division.
Product Range
The company produced a range of chord organs. Typically with a small keyboard, these instruments produced sound by air being forced over reeds by an electric fan.
Bontempi has also produced offerings include a range of keyboards, guitars, drum kits, and tuned percussion instruments designed for both educational purposes and amateur musicians. The company remains committed to producing affordable and innovative musical instruments for global audiences.[3]
Cultural impact and legacy
Some European musicians use the expression "having a Bontempi sound" to describe electronic instruments with a nostalgic, toy-like quality. This term reflects the cultural significance of Bontempi instruments during their peak popularity in Western Europe.
Bontempi's influence extends beyond its original products. The legacy of its iconic sound has inspired contemporary musicians, including Bontempi Love Organ, an electronic artist from Bradford, England. By adopting the name, Bontempi Love Organ pays homage to the brand's impact on the electronic music world, blending nostalgic tones with modern styles.[4]
See also
References
- ^ The Purchaser's Guide to the Music Industries. Music Trades Corporation. 1986. Retrieved 15 September 2013. - Bontempi, a worldwide leader in the manufacture of electronic keyboards, home organs, and musical toys, entered the U.S. market
- ^ Toy & Hobby World. Charleson Publishing Company. 1977. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
- ^ "Bontempi Hit Organ". OnDesign Italy. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
- ^ "Bontempi Love Organ and the Art of Playing Electronic Music Live". Electro Wow. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2024.